Tribe halts guided trips to Havasupai Waterfalls

PHOENIX (AP) — The Havasupai Tribal Council has temporarily halted guided trips to the popular turquoise-colored waterfalls on its land. The tribe says it will review its permitting process and the use of pack animals to carry supplies into the canyon.

The Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/29I0fIJ ) that the decision will only impact third-party providers who offer guided trips. Hikers who have acquired their own permit will still be able to make the trip.

The tribe says it will look into increased complaints about pack-animal abuse witnessed on the trail and might revise permit regulations.

The northern Arizona destination is near the southern boundary of the Grand Canyon National Park. It's grown so popular that permits can be difficult to obtain, and some people rely on the third-party tours to visit.